Title
Land Acquisition for Tree Canopy Preservation Program
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of an approximately 0.317-acre parcel located at 6737 Thermal Road (parcel identification number 189-261-18) in the amount of $85,000, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute any documents necessary to complete this transaction.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Alyson Craig, Planning, Design, and Development
Tim Porter, Planning, Design, and Development
Explanation
§ The city approached the property owner to determine interest in selling its property located at 6737 Thermal Road (located in Council District 6) for the Tree Canopy Preservation Program (TCPP).
§ The city is currently closing on the adjacent parcel located near Valley Haven and Thermal Roads (tax parcel identification number 189-261-18), which is landlocked, and purchase of this property will establish access for the purpose of maintenance and preservation. This site will also be replanted to enhance the tree canopy in this region.
§ The purchase price is based on appraised value and negotiations with the property owner.
§ On July 16, 2024, the Planning Committee reviewed the proposed land acquisition and had no comments.
§ This transaction is consistent with the City-Owned Real Estate and Facilities Policy, adopted by City Council in June 2017.
Background
§ In 2011, City Council adopted a goal of 50 percent tree canopy coverage by the year 2050. The Tree Canopy Preservation Program supports the goal through acquisition and protection of properties that are already forested or provide planting opportunities.
§ The city’s Unified Development Ordinance allows developers in some cases to pay the city in lieu of preserving trees on site. The city uses these funds for property acquisition to support long-term tree canopy conservation and related expenditures associated with ongoing forest management and property maintenance needs.
§ TCPP has acquired and preserved over 350 acres of land to date and protected approximately twice as much land than developers would have been required to under the on-site tree save option.
§ TCPP supports tree canopy policy objectives outlined in City Council’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan adopted June 21, 2021, and Urban Forest Master Plan adopted September 25, 2017.
§ All acquisitions through the program are voluntary.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Neighborhood Development Grants Fund
Attachments
Attachment(s)
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